Category: Uncategorised

1 Chronicles 21:1-30; Ezekiel 20:1-44; John 7:12-30

Because there is no truth, nor mercy, nor knowledge of God in the land. Hosea 4:1

We now live in a time of “fake news” sometimes called “posttruth,” when it is difficult to know what to believe and what to accept as valid. Social media enables falsehood to spread quickly and there is no mercy for those who seem to deny the “accepted norm.” It all finds its origin in a denial of God and a rejection of His standards. This makes life for the Christian harder than ever. It can be costly to swim against the tide, but we must accept God’s Word and be absolutely committed to truth and mercy which reflects the character of our God. —Paul Young

We’ll walk for truth, speak out for love, in Jesus’ name we shall be strong,
To lift the fallen, to save the children, to fill the nation with Your song.  —Graham Kendrick

1 Chronicles 19:1-20:8; Ezekiel 18:1-19:14; John 6:41- 7:11

In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while, if need be, you have been grieved by various trials. 1 Peter 1:6 NKJV

Peter goes on to say that these various trials are used by God to refine our faith, resulting in praise, honour, and glory to the Lord. We live in a fallen world that is steeped in sin. This brokenness is the cause of much of our sufferings. Yet God can still use it for His work in us. However, there are other trials that are specifically directed by God for His intended purposes (John 9:3). May our faith grow to accept God’s hand in the trials that come our way, and seek to grow in them bringing praise, honour and glory to Him. —Sam Thorpe

I thank you Lord,
for the trials that come my way.
In that way I can grow each day
as I let you lead. —Dan Burgess

1 Chronicles 17:1-18:17; Ezekiel 17:1-24; John 6:22-40

He Himself has said, “I will never leave you nor forsake you.”  Hebrews 13:5 NKJV

As we look at the beauty of nature all around us, God’s majestic touch is evident. It is a constant reminder that He is in control of this world and its events. He has promised to be with His people and will never fail or abandon us. What a comfort, not only for the good times but also for the moments of trial we will inevitably encounter through this journey of life. —Olive Wilson

Oh love that will not let me go,
I rest my weary soul in Thee.
I give Thee back the life I owe,
That in Thine ocean depths,
Its flow may richer, fuller be.  —George Matheson

1 Chronicles 16:1-43; Ezekiel 16:35-63; John 6:1-21

This is a faithful saying and worthy of all acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am chief. 1 Timothy 1:15 NKJV

I have spoken many times to men jailed for the crimes they had committed. Often it was hard for them to believe that God could forgive them for the things they have done. To one young man, I mentioned what type of man Paul had been before he became a believer. Getting a Bible, he started to read about what Paul had done. There in His cell, he realized that if God could forgive the chief of sinners, He could forgive him. That night he received Jesus as his Saviour and testified for Him. Jesus loved you and died for your sins. Receive Him now before it is too late! —Jim Paul

I lay my sins on Jesus, the spotless Lamb of God;
He bears them all, and frees us from the accursed load. —H. Bonar

1 Chronicles 15:1-29; Ezekiel 16:1-34; John 5:24-47

That you may be able to comprehend with all saints what is the breadth, and length, and depth, and height; And to know the love of Christ, which passeth knowledge, that ye might be filled with all the fulness of God. Ephesians 3:18-19

Can any mortal comprehend the love of Christ in its breadth: as far as the east is from the west? Its length: stretching from before the foundation of the earth to the unknown future? Its depth: as deep as the deepest sea? Its height: as high as the heavens above? His love is immeasurable and eternal, and it is extended to you and me. How great, gracious, and glorious is our God! —K. C. Ung

How good is the God we adore! Our faithful, unchangeable friend:  
His love is as great as His power and knows neither measure nor end.  —Joseph Hart

1 Chronicles 13:1-14:17; Ezekiel 14:1-15:8; John 5:1-23

Can we find such a one as this is, a man in whom the Spirit of God is? Genesis 41:38

Joseph’s trials were allowed of God to make a place of provision for Jacob and his family. God’s timing in them was equally perfect. Pharoah’s dreams, the butler’s memory, and Joseph’s release came together at just the right moment. Joseph’s rise to power prefigures God’s planned rest for us through His Son. Rejected by family, sold for profit, unjustly condemned by Gentiles, with two prisoners (one blessed, one lost), raised from prison, identified with the Spirit of God, and ascending to the right hand of power, Joseph secured prosperity for Egypt and his family. In “such a man” as Joseph we behold a greater—our Saviour. —David W. Oliver

Joseph was a man; caring, gracious, and wise!
Yet he fades, as the perfect Man, captures our eyes. —D. W. O.

1 Chronicles 12:1-40; Ezekiel 13:1-23; John 4:31-54

For a thousand years in thy sight are but as yesterday when it is past, and as a watch in the night. Psalm 90:4

How fleeting is a person’s life in the light of God’s eternity! Man is utterly insignificant in light of who God is, and yet He desires for us to know Him and fellowship with Him! Our life here is just the beginning of eternity for each of us, spent either with God or without Him. For those of us who know Him, we cannot imagine what it would be like to be separated from God and all that He is; goodness, love and light forever. —G. Frear

A thousand years are in His sight,
The same as yesterday’s quick flight;
Man’s life is but a fleeting thing,
Like blooms which fall, or birds that sing. —G. F

1 Chronicles 10:1-11:47; Ezekiel 12:1-28; John 4:1-30

Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth…but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven. Matthew 6:19-20 NKJV

Recently a friend died and I need to sort through her belongings, some of which she treasured dearly. It makes one realize that we cannot take our earthly treasures with us when we die or if the Lord returns. What does count is the treasure we are storing in heaven. Will what I am working for today be of value on that day? —Janet Fleming

Are you building today for eternity’s shore?
Your life’s work; is it lasting and true?
Will it stand when the fires have tested its worth?
Will it then seem of value to you?  —Janet Fleming

1 Chronicles 8:1-9:44; Ezekiel 11:1-25; John 3:22-36

Apply thine heart to understanding; Yea, if thou criest after knowledge…If thou seekest her as silver, and searchest for her as for hid treasures; Then shalt thou understand the fear of the Lord, and find the knowledge of God.  Proverbs 2:2-5

Apply. Cry. Seek. Search. These are commands from the Lord, and obeying them takes diligence and discipline on the part of the believer. Our daily reading of and meditation on the Word of God is vital to our understanding and knowledge of God. Let us discipline ourselves not to neglect His Word, not even for a day!  —Elizabeth C. Bishop

Thy Word is like a garden, Lord, with flowers bright and fair;
And every one who seeks, may pluck a lovely cluster there.
Thy Word is like a deep, deep mine; and jewels rich and rare,
Are hidden in its mighty depths, for every searcher there. —E. Hodder

1 Chronicles 7:1-40; Ezekiel 10:1-22; John 2:23-3:21

I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me. Galatians 2:20 NKJV

God considers the believer to have died with Christ and to have been raised with Him on the third day. Christ now lives His life in us. Therefore, He desires us to manifest His life as a witness to the lost and an encouragement to believers. Our manner of life must be one of faith, yoked to and learning of Him (Matt. 11:29). His sacrificial love motivates our worship and service. Not I, but Christ! —George Ferrier

Not I, but Christ, in every look and action;
Not I, but Christ, in every thought and word.  —A. B. Simpson& Ada A. Whiddington